Paul Reimer was born and raised in Killarney, spending many summers volunteering at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp.  And if it wasn't at TMBC then it was at some other Bible Camp, his passion serving the Lord by serving others.

It was during one of these summer months when Paul was challenged to consider becoming a chaplain with the Canadian Military.  It took about 9 years, but Reimer just recently he completed his chaplaincy training.  As a spiritual support to military members at the diving unit in Halifax, Reimer was challenged again, and acquired a much-coveted position on the military diving team in Halifax where Paul and wife, Lindsay and little girl currently live.

Reimer had just finished his qualifications to become a chaplain and less than a week later he 'hopped' on a 6-week diving course.  

Out of hundreds of military members applying for the course, only 20 were accepted.  And of that 20 only 6 graduated, Reimer being one of them.

When asked how he prepares for that intensity of training and competition, he says he used his spiritual training and military training to give it his best and to complete the course.   He added that it took discipline on both sides, the religious and the physical, to accomplish his goal.  "Like most workouts, staying consistent, keeping it every day is definitely very important, rather than doing it all at once."

One of the requirements was to run 1.5 miles in just 8 minutes.   "I would usually do about 10 minutes for a mile and a half, and we want to try and shave that down to 8 minutes," explains Reimer. "So, it is definitely up there when it comes to being a pretty competitive time."

Captain Paul Reimer will soon be leaving on a 7-month deployment on Operation PROJECTION, aboard the HMCS Montreal.  

The following information is from the Government of Canada website on Operation PROJECTION:

Operation PROJECTION is Canada’s ongoing naval forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in support of the rules-based international order.

During this operation, the Royal Canadian Navy regularly conducts exercises, engagements and port visits with allies and partners. The CAF also supports NATO Maritime Command, U.S. Naval Forces, and other allied operations.

How many people are deployed?

The number of deployed personnel varies throughout the year. Halifax-class frigates routinely deployed on Operation PROJECTION have a crew of approximately 240 members onboard.

What are they doing?

During this operation, the CAF is conducting training, exercises, and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners. The CAF also supports NATO Maritime Command, U.S. Naval Forces, and other allied operations.

History and context of the operation:

The RCN has a long history of deploying around the world in peacetime and during conflicts. In line with “Strong, Secure, Engaged,” Canada’s Defence Policy, Canada’s naval forces work on their own and in support of allied or partner missions. They help keep regions secure and defend Allies and partners if needed.

Please listen to more with Capt. Paul Reimer below as he shares more on this latest challenge.

Photos submitted by Paul Reimer